Graduation Day at Austin Academy

My site, The Austin Academy, held its annual graduation ceremony last week. This event recognized the students who have successfully completed the Adult Basic Education (ABE), Job Readiness Training (JRT), and GED programs during the past year. In 2011, 27 students completed ABE; 67 received Job Readiness certificates; and 45 graduates earned their GEDs. About 30 of the graduates (several completed more than one program) and their families participated in a wonderful celebration at St. David’s Church in downtown Austin on Thursday, January 19th.

Travis County Judge Samuel Biscoe was the commencement speaker. In his remarks, Judge Biscoe extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, discussed the significance of their accomplishments, and encouraged each of them to seriously consider continuing their education by attending college. He highlighted the importance of education in his own life and pointed out that, by obtaining their GEDs, our graduates have not only opened doors for themselves but have put themselves in a position to be more productive members of our community. In addition to recognizing the graduates, he challenged their family members and friends in attendance, especially the young people, to follow the example set by our graduates and to relentlessly pursue education at every opportunity.

The highlight of the ceremony, at least for me, came when three of our GED graduates spoke about their experiences at The Austin Academy and the impact that obtaining their GEDs has had on their lives. While the three could not have been more “different” as people, each of them talked in his/her own words about how having the opportunity to obtain a GED as an adult has essentially given them a second chance in life. About 15 of this year’s graduates, including the three who spoke, are now or soon will be attending college.

Attending graduation was an eye opening experience. I've enjoyed every day that I've spent at Austin Academy, but I have to admit that I've probably gotten caught up in the day to day activities of the classroom from time to time and occasionally lost sight of why our students are here. This graduation ceremony certainly put things back in focus for me in a very positive way. Listening to the speakers, especially the three graduates, and seeing the sense of accomplishment, pride, and hope in all of the students and their families as the graduates received their diplomas made this unlike any graduation I've ever attended. (And given my age, I've been to a lot of them.) I'm glad I was able to be there. It's something I'll never forget.